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Showing posts from December, 2019

2020 Audi RS5 Coupe And Sportback Gain Revised Exteriors And New Tech

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Audi has revised its RS5 Coupe and Sportback models, giving them a more aggressive appearance and new MMI touch technology. The 444 HP 2.9-liter TFSI twin turbo V6 unit however remains the same. The exterior of the two RS5 models now features a wider and flatter Singleframe grille, following in the footsteps of the latest RS6 and RS7. Meanwhile, the implied air vents above the grille take us back to the iconic Audi Sport quattro from the 80s. “The revision of the RS5 Coupe and RS5 Sportback marks the successful conclusion of our 25th anniversary and the renewal of our model range,” said Audi Sport exec Oliver Hoffmann. “Thanks to the standard permanent quattro drive, they occupy a special position in their segment.” The 1.6 inch (40 mm) wider wheel arches and darkened matrix LED headlight bezels serve to further differentiate these new RS5 models from their regular A5 counterparts. Also new are the contoured air inlets that now feature a pentagonal cut, as well as the redes...

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Put On A Dramatic Face, Gain Independent Suspension

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The next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban models have been unveiled at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, boasting a series of improvements differentiating them from GM’s outgoing offerings. Underpinning the highly-profitable duo is GM’s T1 truck platform that will also be used by the next-generation Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. This platform also adopts GM’s Global B electrical architecture and support over-the-air updates as well as advanced network security for highly-automated driving technologies. One particularly significant upgrade is the presence of new multi-link, independent rear suspension that promises to transform how the duo ride – at least compared to their truck-based predecessors. Visually, the duo take after the latest Chevrolet Silverado. Found at the front is a heavily revised grille and small new headlights that come complete with boomerang LED daytime running lights. As is currently the case, the Suburban is essentially...

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Is Your 302 HP Entry Ticket Into AMG SUVs

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Alongside the regular powertrains of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA, the automaker also debuts the GLA 35 entry-level AMG model. Going by the full name of Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, this performance model is the seventh member of the automaker’s compact family to wear the ’35’ designation, following the A-Class hatch, A-Class sedan, A-Class L sedan for China, CLA Coupe, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLB SUV. As with these models, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 306 PS (302 HP) at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 – 4,000 rpm. The engine is hooked to an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual mode that sends power to all four wheels via the standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive. Thanks to this setup and the Race-Start launch control function that also comes standard, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in...

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Is A Curvy And Youthful Little Crossover

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Mercedes has unveiled its all-new, second-generation GLA, looking to put pressure on small crossovers like the Audi Q2 and Ford Focus Active, while also joining the new GLB to target more traditional SUV-shaped vehicles such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Ultimately, all these compact-sized models will be cross-shopped by buyers who are either unaware or don’t care about niche-segments invented by automakers. According to Mercedes, the new GLA is taller than its predecessor by over 10 cm (3.9 inches), which is a little weird given the fact that it’s also shorter and wider, hence the slightly more bulbous appearance. Overall though, it still looks like a raised compact hatchback. Back to its dimensions, the new GLA is 173.6 inches (4,410 mm) long, 72.2 inches (1,834 mm) wide, stands 63.4 inches (1,611 mm) tall and has a 107.4 inch (2,729 mm) long wheelbase. It is 0.6 inches (14 mm) shorter, 1.2 inches (30 mm) wider and 4.1 inches (104 mm) taller than its predecessor, while the w...

2020 McLaren 620R Debuts As The 570S GT4 You Can Drive On The Street

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McLaren continues to expand its Sports Series lineup with a new competition-inspired model called the 620R. Essentially a road-legal version of the 570S GT4 race car, the 620R is a limited-run coupé that will be built in just 350 units. As the name suggests, the 620R is the most powerful model in the Sports Series range. The M838TE 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is shared with the GT4 car, but delivers more power as it’s not required to comply with racing regulations. Thus, it churns out 620 PS (612 HP) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque, enabling it to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). The eight-cylinder engine is hooked to a 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) with Inertia Push technology in Track mode which “converts built-up flywheel energy into a momentary burst of torque on upshift.” For added drama on the road, the Sport mode allows the driver to hear the u...

2021 Jaguar F-Type Bows With Sharper Styling And Updated Tech

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Jaguar has embraced crossovers and electric vehicles, but the company hasn’t given up on sports cars.  That’s clearly evident today as the automaker has unveiled the facelifted F-Type. Looking instantly recognizable, the updated model has an aggressive front fascia that features a larger honeycomb mesh grille. It is flanked by slimmer headlights and sportier air intakes. The rest of the model largely carries over, but buyers find a new hood, restyled wheels and updated front fender vents. The styling changes continue out back as there’s a modestly revised rear fascia and new taillights that ditch the circular accent featured on its predecessor. Inside, drivers will find a familiar interior.  While most components carryover, there’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Touch Pro infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Speaking of the infotainment system, it now has software-over-the-air functionality so future updates can b...